Holiday greetings from the men and women of the Los
Angeles Police Department.  The following is the monthly
update for December 2002.  We hope you find the
information useful.  You are encouraged to continue to visit
our Web site at {LAPDOnline.org }www.lapdonline.org as it has grown to over
10,000 pages since its inception in 1998.


EXPLORER ACADEMY GRADUATION

The Los Angeles Police Explorer program educates and
involves youth, ages 14 * 21, in police operations, broadening
their understanding of the challenges, skills and
responsibilities associated with police work.  During their 12-
week Academy, Explorers take classes in report writing,
ethics, radio communications, criminal justice, desk
procedures, human relations and physical training.

The 79th Law Enforcement Explorer Academy Graduation
Ceremony will be held at the Los Angeles Police Academy
gymnasium on Saturday, December 14, 2002, with
approximately 90 Explorer recruits graduating after
completing over 96 hours of training.  This event marking the
40th anniversary of the LAPD Explorer program begins at 11
a.m. and concludes at 2:30 p.m.  The public is invited to
attend.


DECEMBER SAFETY TIPS * HOLIDAY CRIME
PREVENTION

The holiday season is always a special time of year.  It is also
a time when busy people become careless and vulnerable to
theft and other holiday crime.  The Los Angeles Police
Department wants everyone to have a secure and happy
holiday season by taking a minute from the rush to read and
apply the following Holiday Crime Prevention measures.

To further lessen the chances of becoming a victim during the
holiday season, the following should be stressed:

*  Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
*  Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or
out of your car.
*  Do not leave packages on the seat of your car.  This creates
unnecessary temptation for thieves.
*  When approaching and leaving your vehicle be aware of
your surroundings.
*  Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
*  Keep cash and wallets in your front pocket.
*  Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help if
they become lost or separated.

For additional information or to obtain a copy of crime
prevention circulars, contact the Community Liaison/Crime
Prevention Unit, at (213) 485-3134, or visit our Web site at
www.lapdonline.org and open the "Crime Prevention Tips"
icon.

On behalf of the men and women of the Los Angeles Police
Department, may you have a happy holiday season filled with
family and friends.  We look forward to serving you in the year
2003.

WILLIAM J. BRATTON
Chief of Police

To unsubscribe from this newsletter please click on this link
http://listserv.lacity.org/cgi-bin/wa.exe?SUBED1=lapd_monthly&A=1